Cornell & Diehl Guilford Courthouse

t has been a couple of years since I've posted any C&D blend reviews and I have smoked nearly 100 tins of their various offerings in that time. So, it may be awhile before I get to all of them.

The Bright added grassy notes, the Red added sweet notes and the Izmir (one of the most spice laden of all the Orientals on the market), lent strength and spice to the presentation. I ejoyed this one a lot, and perhaps even enough to get more tins, which is what I should have done in the first place!

I was always surprised about the lower ratings for this blend. I find this to be a nice play between sweet Virginia and sweet-ish/spicy Oriental/Turkish.

I right away cellared and am at the 3 year mark on some, and will retry with the age and keep you posted. Recommended to Va fans.

I can't help talking about this one. Either I don't get out enough, or there aren't that many blends that showcase old belt virginias. I have an dusty tin of W.O. Larsens "Old Belt Ready Rubbed" in my collection. It's harsh and boring, appearing to be singular in its ingredients. Nevertheless, I had to have it. On that same note, I had to have this one, yet it was anything but boring! Similar to the OBRR, the #927 mix has a faint floral smell. Not like an english soapy floral, its more like an expensive rose from the cooler. A pity it couldn't smell that way on fire, eh ladies? Perhaps if the rose garden grew too close to the fire pit...hmmm. Smells nice, actually. To me, anyway. Regardless of that, if your'e a collector of tobaccos, this is a must have. Sounds simple and straightforward enough by description (like so many), but what it doesn't mention is that stoved or flue-cured old belt tobaccos are potent enough to be considered condimental, or at least I think so. Do you like wasabi? Have some habaneros with spices and a couple shots of moonshine? Put your mouth through boot camp before getting your pallet in the ring with this wild child. All things are affected by the pipesters smoking habits, of course. An older, more experienced leather-toungue might sail through this fog unaffected. This concoction is probably intended for slow nursing. No steamboats or locomotives. With all that said, go ahead! Go to town on that initial light-up and roll the smoke through your nasal passages. A snuff-like burn, that fills your head with an almost overwhelming piquancy. Don't be ashamed if you get a little misty-eyed. It's normal for some guys to fall in love with something hot and sweet but potentially wicked. Isn't it? I like it in my Peterson 304 system pipe. All things in moderation. You've been warned. Like a woman, you gotta have some in your life for the sake of experience, if nothing else. If you get burned like I do, you only have yourself to blame. I must add that the turkish gives the blend a special flavor, and it stands out in a very different way than the turkish in other blends from the family. It might not be an everyday blend for the novice, but very good for training ones self to puff slowly and pause more often. I know I'm going to venture this stuff again and again and again. It's the only courthouse I'm not afraid to get into...but respect is definitely due! UPDATE: I smoked some Briar Fox out of the 304, then went back to "court" again. #927 was noticeably mellowed...somehow. It could be the pipe is improving the flavor as it continues to develop a cake. Perhaps the Fox was a better foundation tobacco. This got milder as it slowly dissapeared into nothing but ash. I am learning that it is better to start the break-in process with the mildest blend in the category of choice. It helps to have a vast collection...that's why it takes so long to learn when you're making peanuts for a living!

To each their own. I find this blend to my liking. Smooth Va's and a little spice to make nice.

Try it you'll like it

Smoking this in a big CAO Meer as I write. This is a Wonderful Virginia blend. Even very new this is a taste experience. Sweet virginia, with spicey turkish- the flavor is creamy and blends very well. No conflicting taste- Just straight forward that can be enjoyed without a lot of concentration. Slow smoking and barely lit and the sweetness is main stage. Puff more agressively and the turkish responds. I love blends like this. DGT works very well here as well, through a little cigarish on the relight (Odd I know, but thats the taste to me)-Giving way to the Sweet/Spice as above once cruising. All in all a great blend. Being in the bulk catagory makes price point a real hit with me. Will definatly be buying more to cellar- Would love to see how this does with a year under its belt...